Utah Jazz Injury Report: Markkanen, Nurkic Ruled Out vs. Grizzlies

The Utah Jazz will face the Memphis Grizzlies tonight without two key starters. Star forward Lauri Markkanen and center Jusuf Nurkic have been officially ruled out. The game tips off at 7 p.m. MT at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

This is a significant blow to the Jazz’s frontcourt on the second night of a back-to-back. According to the team’s official injury report, Markkanen is out for right groin injury management. Nurkic will miss the game for rest purposes.

Impact of Missing Key Starters

Markkanen’s absence marks his third missed game in the last four. The team is managing his groin issue carefully. His scoring and size will be sorely missed against a physical Grizzlies squad.

Nurkic will sit for his third rest game of the season. He has been the starting center in place of the injured Walker Kessler. His rebounding and interior defense leave a major gap.

This leaves Coach Will Hardy with a shorthanded frontcourt. The Jazz are currently on a three-game losing streak. Finding a winning combination without two starters will be a tough challenge.

Searching for Solutions in the Lineup

Hardy must now tinker with his starting lineup. Second-year player Kyle Filipowski is the most likely candidate to start. He has been the primary fill-in when other big men have been unavailable this season.

For the second open spot, the Jazz have options. Brice Sensabaugh started in a similar situation earlier this month. Veterans Kevin Love or Taylor Hendricks could also see increased roles.

Love is coming off a strong 16-point, 16-rebound performance. However, he has not started a game this season. Hardy’s final decision will be crucial for setting the game’s tone early.

The Jazz’s updated injury report presents a major test for their depth. How the team adjusts without Markkanen and Nurkic will be critical. A win against the Grizzlies could provide a needed spark to end their skid.

Info at your fingertips

Why is Lauri Markkanen out for the Jazz?

Lauri Markkanen is out for right groin injury management. The Jazz are being cautious with their star forward, especially on a back-to-back. This is his third missed game in the last four due to this issue.

Who will start for the Utah Jazz tonight?

Kyle Filipowski is expected to start in the frontcourt. The second starting spot could go to Brice Sensabaugh, Kevin Love, or Taylor Hendricks. Coach Will Hardy’s final decision will be announced before tip-off.

How many games has Jusuf Nurkic missed for rest?

This will be Jusuf Nurkic’s third missed game this season for rest. The veteran center also sat out a game earlier this month against Dallas. The Jazz manage his workload throughout the long season.

What is the Jazz’s current record without Markkanen?

The Jazz have navigated his absences relatively well this season. However, his offensive creation is always a significant loss. The team’s performance tonight will test their adaptability without him.

Is Walker Kessler playing this season?

No, Walker Kessler is out for the season following shoulder surgery. His absence is why Jusuf Nurkic was acquired and has been starting at center. The Jazz’s frontcourt depth has been challenged all year.